Is Sago Palm Toxic to Cats and Dogs?
Sago palm is severely toxic to both cats and dogs — all parts (especially seeds) cause liver failure and death in up to half of cases. Call a vet at once.
Potentially life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency.
Potentially life-threatening — treat any exposure as an emergency.
In an emergency, do not wait.
Medical disclaimer: This tool is for general information only and isnot a substitute for veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Toxicity depends on the amount, your pet’s size, and health history. If your pet may have ingested something harmful, contact your veterinarian or a poison control hotline ((888) 426-4435 / (855) 764-7661) immediately — do not wait for symptoms to appear.
What is Sago Palm?
Sago palm is severely toxic to both cats and dogs — all parts (especially seeds) cause liver failure and death in up to half of cases. Call a vet at once.
Also known as: cycad, cycas revoluta, king sago, sago, coontie palm.
Symptoms to Watch For
🐕 In Dogs
- Vomiting (often with blood), diarrhea, and drooling
- Black, tarry stools from internal bleeding
- Yellowing of the skin and gums (jaundice) as the liver fails
- Lethargy, increased thirst, bruising, and in serious cases seizures, coma, or death
🐈 In Cats
- Vomiting (often with blood) and diarrhea
- Jaundice and liver failure
- Lethargy, drooling, and reduced appetite
- Seizures, coma, and death in serious cases
What to Do If Ingested
- Call a veterinarian or poison hotline immediately — do not wait for symptoms.
- Note which parts were eaten (seeds/nuts are most toxic) and how much.
- Remove any remaining plant material from the mouth.
- Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian instructs you to.
Steps apply to both cats and dogs. When in doubt, call a vet or poison hotline before acting.
When to Call the Vet Immediately
Call your veterinarian or a poison control hotline right away if you notice any of these:
- Any part of a sago palm was eaten (all parts are toxic)
- Vomiting, diarrhea, or yellowing of the gums or eyes
- Lethargy, bruising, or increased thirst
- Seizures, collapse, or unresponsiveness
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Which part of the sago palm is most dangerous?
All parts of the sago palm — leaves, trunk, roots, and especially the seeds (nuts) — are toxic. The seeds contain the highest concentration of cycasin, which causes liver failure. A single seed can be fatal to a small pet.
How fast do sago palm symptoms appear?
Vomiting and diarrhea often start within hours, but liver damage can take a day or two to show as jaundice, lethargy, and bruising. Even if symptoms seem mild at first, this is an emergency — call a vet immediately because liver failure can develop silently.
Can a pet survive eating sago palm?
Survival is possible with rapid, aggressive veterinary treatment, but sago palm has a high mortality rate — roughly half of affected pets do not survive. The sooner treatment begins (ideally before symptoms), the better the odds. Do not wait and watch at home.
Sources
This entry is reviewed against the following authoritative veterinary sources.
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants Database
- Merck Veterinary Manual — Toxicology
- Pet Poison Helpline — Poisons
Last reviewed: 2026-07-11